Madison’s Dream Beach Vacation

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Madison and her mom enjoying the beach and taking a quick break from relaxing to take a selfie!

Madison and her sister

“
The day-to-day experience has not changed for Madison and her family, but during the tough times, having the memories of her wish experience help to provide strength to keep fighting her medical condition.
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Madison
,
10-years-old

Sweet and shy, Madison would come to life when she was gracefully executing a routine on the balance beam. A gymnast at heart, her parents knew something was wrong when day-to-day activities started to become a challenge. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, "things we take for granted became difficult for Madison, and as a parent, it is heartbreaking to see," Stacey, Madison's mom shared.

A glimpse of light was shed on Madison and her family when she was referred to Make-A-Wish® Colorado. During her nine-hour infusions, she was able to distract herself from the needles and focus on what her one true wish would be. After seeing photos of Atlantis® Resorts, Madison fell in love with the clear, blue waters and endless sun. The idea of floating on the water where her inner vitality would not be slowed down by her body's fatigue sounded like a dream come true.

From the moment Madison woke up on her wish day, she was glowing with excitement. Upon arriving in Atlantis, she was in awe, the photos Madison had fixated on for so long, were finally her reality. With the incredible views from her hotel room and the VIP beach experience, Madison felt like a Princess. Her favorite part was gliding in the water alongside the dolphins. She even learned to play "CPR" with them, where on her cue the dolphins went from playing dead, to being revived and flipping around.

Since the wish experience, "her spirits have been completely lifted," Stacey beamed with joy as she recalled the impact of her daughter's wish come true. The day-to-day experience has not changed for Madison and her family, but during the tough times, having the memories of her wish experience help to provide strength to keep fighting her medical condition.